15 Great Summer Mocktails & Cocktails : A Round Up Post

Once I started compiling these cocktail and mocktail recipes I almost couldn't stop! I decided to make this post an even 15 with 5 Mocktails and 10 Cocktails, so I had to pick and choose. 
The Mocktails are marked with ** if you would like to go straight to them or to avoid them, whichever is your preference. I gotta say: I love having the non-alcoholic varieties on hand for designated drivers, moms-to-be or anyone else that is refraining. 

25 Amazing Summer Salad Recipes: A Fab Roundup Post!

Salad and Summer just seem to "go together." The combination of freshness and coolness makes them the perfect go to, either as a side or a main meal or even dessert.

I know I like SIMPLE. Anything easy to toss together in under 25 minutes is what seems to be on my list of tried and trues. It is part of my own self-care plan really: eat healthfully while not making myself crazy to do "just one more thing." 

That being said, I use these tricks to simplify any recipe that calls for overly complicated ingredients or ones that are just not necessary to make on the spot:

My Self-Care Summer "Bucket List"

Self-care is something that I work on year round and this summer is no different. There are so many things I would love to do, and while I may not get to every single one, I intend to set out and accomplish 1 or 2 every week. I am hoping to inspire you to make your list too!

Watertown Farmer's Market

My display at the first Farmer's Market of the 2014 season

This is my second year enjoying the lovely Watertown, CT Farmer's Market. I love this event that combines the freshest food stuffs with the most wonderful local artisans and crafters. I feel blessed that the amazing market master, Doreen Breen, invited me to attend last year. It has been a wonderful adventure and I am looking forward to it's continuation from the second Saturday in July through the first one in October. 

If you have the chance stop by your local farmer's market. The farmer's are people who need out support and you truly get the freshest and healthiest foods imaginable. And, of course, if you are in the NW corner of CT be sure to come by and see me too! You never know what new sparkly stuff I may be debuting from one week to the next!

Post by Dawn Hill Designs.

Why I do what I do

Recently I was asked what it was that drives me to create jewelry. I had a really simple answer which was, "I just want to make pretty things that make people happy!"

                                    

Hazel flutters around the new necklaces displayed at Artzfest